Construction has slowed in recent months, and Lickel fears the longer he waits to harvest stands of timber on his land, the less likely he will be able to sell what was once a valuable resource.

But Lickel is a firm believer in ideals over economics.

You may have met him on Friday or Sunday at the Lowrey Picwood 11 Cinema, where he spent several hours outside the entrance to the Academy Award-winning "Slumdog Millionaire."

Wearing a sandwich board and a smile, he distributed fliers to moviegoers requesting their consideration for Save the Children and Compassion, two child-rescue efforts he supports.

He was prompted to action after he learned many of the child actors featured in the film - which has grossed tens of millions of dollars worldwide - reportedly live in abhorrent conditions in their native India.

It is an unfortunate aspect of human nature that makes most of us immediately suspect someone who approaches us in the manner Lickel employed this weekend. In fact, as we watched Lickel interact with patrons at the theater this weekend, it was evident that more than a few wanted nothing more than to get away from the man accosting them on what should have been a lighthearted Friday night, a well-deserved respite from the stresses of the week, when businesses struggled, 401(k)s dipped lower and nothing seemed to go the way it should.

We'll even admit to feeling the same way when he first walked into The Courier's office Friday afternoon.

The more Lickel spoke, however, the more apparent his sincerety became.

He, who had absolutely nothing to gain from the venture, spent his weekend not at rest, but standing on his feet on a hard tile floor, the ropes from the sandwich boards he bore cutting into his shoulders.

More than a few people he approached probably allowed their displeasure to show on their faces. More than a few probably ignored him entirely.

It is our sincerest hope, however, that more than a few also listened as he asked, respectfully, that they consider helping others less fortunate.

Lickel's example - that of a man willing to risk his own bottom line, secure in the understanding that his life has been blessed, no matter how humble it might seem from the yard across the street - is one worth remembering as we face off against today's recession.

Most of us still have more than enough. And, for as long as we still do, it is our responsibility to follow Lickel's example and give both of our time, and our resources, to those who do not.

To learn more about Compassion or Save the Children, visit their Web sites at www.compassion.com or www.savethechildren.org.